BY A STAFF REPORTER: Hours after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased and injured on May 30, Thursday.
Taking it to his X handle, PM Modi declared that Rs. 2,00,000 will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Moreover, Rs. 50,000 will be given to the injured individuals. PM Modi also stated "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in Akhnoor. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon."
Earlier today, around 21 people lost their lives while 60 suffered injuries as a bus carrying passengers from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh fell in a deep gorge near Akhnoor's Chungi-Morh on Jammu-Poonch Highway. Rescue operations are underway.